THE PERFECT FINISH
As co-founder of the much-loved candle company Glasshouse Fragrances, American-born Nicole Eckels has a bunch of illuminating ideas to set the scene for a great night in with friends.
SWEET OR SAVOURY? A bit of both. I am a sucker for fruit crumbles and flans, but will often serve cheese, too. At the moment I’m loving La Luna goat’s cheese by Holy Goat in central Victoria. It’s hard to find, but heavenly.
DRINKS ORDER My go-to aperitifs include Lillet Blanc, the aromatised French wine, served on ice. I also love a classic Manhattan. After dinner, I usually serve guests Mr Black, an Australian cold brew coffee liqueur. People rave about it.
CHOCOLATE KISSES I’m a big fan of dark chocolate, especially Lindt’s raspberry flavours. I also adore baking Toll House chocolate chip cookies, the original American style.
TEA, COFFEE OR MATCHA I’m a New Yorker, so most certainly prefer a ‘cawfee’. I used to drink American coffee, but living in Sydney has made my tastebuds soar to greater heights.
PLATING UP I’m drawn to dinnerware from American brands Juliska and L’Objet. If I’m feeling more rustic, I like Batch, the Sydney-based ceramics company. I gravitate towards bright primary colours like red, blue and yellow.
LITTLE EXTRAS I love lilacs and narcissus because of their divine scent. Of course, I love candles! My latest favourite for entertaining is the new Circa Home Blood Orange candle. It’s a subtle fragrance that doesn’t clash with the dinner party.
SPECIAL SAUCE I collect condiments from around the world. I get hot sauce in Singapore, sharp Dijon mustard in France, and Annie’s Goddess Dressing and Frank’s RedHot sauce from the US.
MAKING MUSIC It’s usually a dance party at my house.